The Senate passed legislation Sunday to require a “Do Not Flush label” on cleaning and personal wipes, in a move hailed as a key step toward preventing sewer backups, treatment plant failures and other costly wipe-induced problems.
The Senate also approved proposals to protect sea turtles and fight illegal fishing by unanimous consent during a rare weekend session.
The “Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act,” S. 1092, from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), would require companies to clearly display labels on packaging to discourage consumers from flushing baby wipes, makeup removal wipes and similar products.
The House passed similar legislation, H.R. 2269, from Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), last year. The chambers must now work to reconcile their different versions.
